THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation into a widely circulated video that appears to show social media influencers handing leftover food to a homeless man, an act the regulator described as degrading and inhumane.
In a statement released by its Corporate Communications division, the commission confirmed it is acting on public complaints and taking the matter seriously, warning that the creation and dissemination of content which exploits marginalised communities purely for online attention is unacceptable.
“Spreading content that degrades or humiliates an individual’s dignity is not only unethical, but also contributes to the normalisation of inhumane behaviour in society,” MCMC said on Tuesday.
It added that the case is being investigated under existing legal provisions, and firm action will be taken against anyone found to have committed an offence.
The commission urged members of the public not to share or repost content that is provocative or harmful to public order.
Legal action may be taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which prohibits the sharing of offensive, false, or threatening content. Offenders could face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
“The MCMC remains committed and resolute in ensuring that cyberspace is not abused, in line with efforts to uphold the rule of law and preserve societal harmony,” the statement added.
The incident has reignited debate about ethical boundaries in digital content creation, with many questioning the motivations behind such videos and the lack of empathy in turning poverty into entertainment.
On Monday, a group of social media influencers had sparked outrage after posting a video in which they gave leftover chicken bones to a homeless man—while framing the act as a gesture of charity.
The video, originally posted to Instagram by users @aluk_777, @olympiccc_555, and @kaijie_666, begins with the trio enjoying a meal at a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet, where they are seen eating Original Recipe chicken.
Claiming they didn’t want to waste food, the group then packed the leftover chicken bones along with a serving of pre-packed KFC rice before seeking out a homeless man sleeping on a public walkway.
They woke the man and handed him the meal, filming his reaction. At first, he appeared touched by the gesture—until he opened the box and saw the discarded bones.
Despite the situation, the man thanked the group politely, prompting further criticism from viewers who described the video as exploitative and dehumanising.
The video has since gone viral, drawing strong condemnation from netizens and civil society groups alike, who accused the content creators of humiliating a vulnerable individual in the name of online engagement.
Many described the stunt as a grotesque example of performative altruism, with calls growing for greater accountability and ethical standards in digital content creation. - August 5, 2025
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